Welcome to Focus Aligned
I’m Dr. Karol Johansen, and I’m so glad you’re here.
Focus Aligned was born from a lifelong passion for helping individuals discover careers that not only support their goals but also intentionally reflect their values, passions, and sense of purpose.
With over 25 years of experience in higher education — from UCLA and UC Irvine to community colleges and faith-centered institutions — I’ve walked alongside students and professionals at every stage of their journey, from high school through PhD, and from first jobs to encore careers.
As a career counselor, educator, and servant leader, I bring a deeply compassionate and individualized approach to every conversation. I believe career development isn’t just about landing a job — it’s about aligning your work with who you are at your core.
Whether you are:
- Exploring your career path for the first time
- Making a career pivot into a new industry or role
- Developing effective job search strategies tailored to your goals and strengths
- Looking to polish your resume, LinkedIn, or interview skills
- Preparing for graduate, medical, or health professional school
- Navigating the college admissions process as a high school student
- Reimagining your next chapter after years in the workforce
- Seeking clarity and confidence in your next steps
You’re in the right place.
Through Focus Aligned, I offer a range of services, including career decision-making and planning, resume critiques, job search strategies, LinkedIn development, interview preparation, and graduate school application guidance. I specialize in health professions advising and encore career design for those seeking meaningful post-retirement paths.
I also bring a leadership philosophy grounded in compassion — the foundation of my doctoral research — and I believe in creating empowered futures through authentic conversations and thoughtful guidance.
Wherever you are in your career journey, I’d be honored to walk with you. Let’s design a future that aligns with who you are.
Warmly Guiding your Career Alignment Toward a Purposeful Future,
Karol Johansen, EdD
Founder | Focus Aligned
Align your Goals. Define your future.
Why Choose Focus Aligned?
- Over 25 years of career development experience including leadership roles at leading institutions like UCLA and UCI.
- Expertise as both a generalist career coach and a health professions specialist.
- Coaching grounded in servant leadership principles, informed by my doctoral research.
- A supportive, empathetic and judgment-free environment focused on attaining career alignment
- Proven strategies that bring clarity and confidence.
- A partnership that empowers you to take charge of your career.
Ready to Align Your Goals and Define Your Future?
Contact me today for a 20-minute free virtual consultation and start shaping your career with Focus Aligned.
Focus Aligned 